Rian Johnson reveals Luke Skywalker is the 'last Jedi'

'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' filmmaker Rian Johnson has confirmed that Luke Skywalker is the titular character in the upcoming eighth movie in the franchise

Rian Johnson confirmed Luke Skywalker is the "last Jedi" in the galaxy.

The 43-year-old filmmaker helms the upcoming eighth instalment of the 'Star Wars' space saga, and as soon as the new title 'The Last Jedi' was announced, fans have constantly speculated who the character is.

However, Johnson has now revealed that Luke - played Mark Hamill - is the titular character.

He said: "It's in the opening crawl of 'The Force Awakens'.

"Luke Skywalker, right now, is the last Jedi. There's always wiggle room in these movies - everything is from a certain point of view - but coming into our story, he is the actual last of the Jedi. And he's removed himself and is alone on this island, for reasons unknown."

Johnson also previously revealed Han Solo will still have a major part in the plot of 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'.

Harrison Ford's iconic space smuggler character was shockingly murdered by his own son Ben Solo - known as Kylo Ren - in the 2015 movie 'The Force Awakens', but the director thinks it was important to still retain his "figurative ghost".

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in August, he said: "A figurative ghost of Han had to be present throughout this entire film."

Rey (Ridley) meets Luke (Hamill) to learn all about the Force. Johnson expands on the casualties-of-war theme, making magnificent, roaring action sequences and leading the viewer through a blood-stained moral labyrinth. Driver returns with a vengeance, Dern is terrific and it hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and…